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ESA: Assessment made me appear worse and moved me to support group

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3 months 2 days ago #294262 by eeker
I have a strange query. I've had ESA or similar for years and was in WRAG, until a few weeks ago. I was assessed in a telephone interview, and I was put in the Support Group.

I know most people would be pleased with this, but I rang up to find out why, as my condition hasn't changed. I asked for the explanation, and I've received the report.

The report makes me sound much worse, for example, it says my problems occur more frequently than they do. It says I can't walk more than 50m, or climb the stairs without resting for an hour at least. It said it was likely I had severely deteriorated. These things simply aren't true.

I don't like the way it says 'stated that...'. I didn't say these things, and they weren't on my form, nor on the A4 sheet I sent along with it. I got 15 points on a section I didn't even fill out.

I had asked for it to be recorded but I was told it wasn't possible, on the day, because it wasn't working. I agreed to it anyway, as I was recording it on my phone.

When it comes to the next assessment, scheduled for two years time, they will notice a big discrepancy. If I don't challenge this in some way, is it fraud? I'm not comfortable with the incorrect information given being attributed to me.

What should my next step be? I could write and tell them I don't agree with some of the findings, and leave it up to them what to do with it - at least there will be a record of it. I don't really want a 'mandatory review' since it might go the other way and I lose the award altogether. I would have been happy just being in the group I was in before.

I also don't want to get my interviewer into trouble.

Advice please?
The following user(s) said Thank You: Faith

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3 months 2 days ago #294265 by BIS
Hi eeker

Reports often don't match what people have said, but this sounds different, and you are clearly not happy with the result. Not only have you been attributed with things you didn't say, they also believe your condition has deteriorated when it hasn't. As you rightly point out - it could cause you an issue when you are next reviewed.

A lot of people might say to leave it, but you don't sound as if you could do that - and it's not something I would advise in what is an unusual case. I would write to the DWP and tell them - and then leave it up to them. Unfortunately, you can't control what they will do with the information. They may ignore it, or they may force you into another review.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: eeker

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3 months 2 days ago #294267 by eeker
Thank you, I'll write to them.

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3 months 2 days ago #294273 by Mark
In my case with PIP they took away my enhanced daily living and dropped me to standard mobility. No change with MR. Then DM phoned (nice woman) and said she was trying to get me enough points to reinstate my original award. I know this is PIP rather than ESA and a DM rather than assessor. Personally I would do nothing. Take what you’re given. The onus should not be on you to correct their mistakes assuming it is a mistake. I was given 12 points for mobility and even though I explained that I do travel on bus on my own to places I am familiar with she basically said I understand what you are saying but she was still happy to give me the 12 points. Maybe you just got a nice assessor who wanted to help you out by twisting the report in your favour. That’s on them in my opinion. When you are next assessed just fill out the form as you would being honest. You’ve nothing wrong. I don’t see a discrepancy. It will be looked upon as an improvement since your last assessment and they will take that into account with their decision.

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